Telehealth Services Offered by Pyramid Healthcare

Published On: April 8, 2020|Categories: Addiction Treatment|
Woman holding up her tablet for a telehealth call

Pyramid Healthcare recovery centers are taking the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic seriously and doing everything in our power to help slow the spread of the disease. While social distancing measures are in place, we are offering telehealth services to all who are active or interested in our outpatient behavioral health services.

Whether you are recovering from a substance use disorder or simply interested in therapy during this difficult time, our team is here for you!

HOW DOES TELEHEALTH WORK?

Telehealth works just like traditional therapy, except for the fact that you won’t see your therapist or therapy group in person. Instead, you and your therapist and/or group will log into a secure audio and video sharing service like Zoom or BlueJeans and conduct your session from the comfort and safety of your own homes.

IS TELEHEALTH SAFE?

Many people are especially concerned about privacy when seeking mental health services. Fortunately, the software we use for audio and video sessions is HIPPA-compliant and has been around since before the COVID-19 crisis. Many of these technologies use encryption, which translates your data into a unique coding language, where only you and the members of your video chat have access to the “key.” Even advanced hackers cannot get into encrypted audiovisual data without the key to decode it.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TELEHEALTH?

The benefits of telehealth are largely the same as those associated with traditional therapy. One widely recognized benefit of therapy is its ability to cut through feelings of isolation, which may be especially prevalent during social distancing and self-quarantining measures.

While you will not be physically in the same room as your therapist or peers, you can still achieve positive connections and start to work through problems in individual or group teletherapy sessions. Overcoming feelings of isolation is especially important if you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, which feeds off loneliness and can be difficult to overcome on your own.

TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT

When you are preparing for your telehealth session, choose a clean, quiet space and make sure your computer, microphone, and speakers are fully charged. You may want to test your webcam beforehand and use headphones to make your session feel more private. Be sure to pick a spot where your family members or roommates cannot overhear.

During the session, speak clearly and try to make “eye contact” with your screen and camera. Check-in periodically to make sure your therapist can hear you and let them know if you can’t hear what they are saying. To get the most out of your appointment, avoid distractions and pretend you are in your therapist’s office.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Telehealth is not right for everyone, but it is an effective option for those struggling with behavioral health during this unprecedented crisis.

If you’d like to schedule a telehealth appointment with Pyramid Healthcare, please do not hesitate to call us at (301) 997-1300 or fill out our online contact form.

*Those who prefer an inpatient program or traditional therapy can explore our admissions process online and call with any questions.

**For the most accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).

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